Hanging Accessory Storage System

ABSTRACT

A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing personal items can include a rectangular frame constructed from a rigid material consisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallel side supports. The space between the parallel side supports and the parallel upper and lower extremities can define the interior of the rectangular frame, wherein a plurality of organizational support structures are anchored to the rectangular frame on their respective side supports. A hanging mechanism can be located such that the hanging mechanism is mounted on the rectangular frame, wherein in one embodiment the hook is a hanging mechanism mounted to the upper extremity. The side supports, support structures, and upper/lower extremities can be perforated by a plurality of apertures for hanging earrings or other small items of various sizes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claim priority benefits from U.S. provisional patentapplication No. 62/270,576 filed on Dec. 21, 2015, entitled “HangingAccessory Storage System”. The '576 application is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hanging storage systems for personalaccessories and other small items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Humans have been fashioning jewelry, including earrings, for thousandsof years. Tombs sealed as early as 3000 BC have been found to containartifacts such as hair accessories, necklaces, rings, earrings and otherpersonal effects.

Today individuals often own a number of accessories which they do notwear on a daily basis. The safe storage of these accessories such thatthey are kept in good condition and can be readily accessed is apriority. One traditional method of storage is the jewelry box which cancontain either a single chamber or a plurality of compartments fororganization. While jewelry boxes offer a considerable amount of storagespace, they have certain drawbacks. For starters, even smaller jewelryboxes require desk or drawer space. Larger boxes take up similar spaceson floors or shelves and are often cumbersome to handle. These storageunits are also common targets for thieves and are unable to accommodatecertain types of accessories.

Another typical storage method for accessories, particularly earrings isthe use of felt or thick paper slabs which can be pierced by earringsfor storage and display. This method has the potential to tear and/orget snagged.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In order to save floor and desk space and accommodate personal effectsof a variety of shapes and sizes, a hanging accessory storage system canbe used for organizing small personal items which can be hung on avertical surface by a variety of methods. While the preferredembodiments described herein are largely directed to earrings, otherpersonal items or small objects can be organized using this device. Byproviding a plurality of holes with varied spacing, the hangingaccessory storage system can accommodate items such as earrings ofvarious sizes. The hanging accessory storage system can provide anappealing display at relatively inexpensive cost and eliminates, or atleast reduces, issues with snags by the device made of a rigid material.The design is compact, and in at least one embodiment is fitted with acoat hanger like hook, so that it can hang in the closet, making itconvenient to accessorize. Openings can be circular, rectangular, orother suitable shapes, and in at least some embodiments there is ampleroom to reach through the rectangular frame for access to earringshaving a post design. Along the sides of its rectangular frame, theorganizer can provide space for single earrings.

A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizingpersonal items comprise a frame with a first extremity, a secondextremity, and a third extremity. The accessory storage system can alsoinclude organizational support structures perforated by a plurality ofspaced apertures, a hanging mechanism, and a light. In some embodiments,the hanging mechanism is connected to the first extremity. In other orthe same embodiments, the organizational support structure is parallelto the first extremity. In some embodiments the apertures are circular.

In some embodiments, the hanging mechanism is a hook, a hook and loopsystem, and/or a system of magnets. In some embodiments, the frame ofthe hanging accessory storage system is rectangular. In otherembodiments, the frame of the hanging accessory storage system istriangular.

In some embodiments, the frame is plastic. In other embodiments theframe is wood. In some embodiments, the frame is aluminum, or compositematerials.

A hanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizingearrings can include a rectangular frame constructed from a materialselected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, and organicmatter consisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallelside supports anchored at their corresponding vertices to form therectangular frame according to some embodiments. The space between theparallel side supports and parallel upper and lower extremities candefine the interior of the rectangular frame.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of five parallel, evenlydistributed, lateral organizational support structures have endsanchored to the rectangular frame on their respective side supports. Theorganizational support structures are disposed within the interior ofthe rectangular frame and parallel to the minor axis of the rectangularframe in some embodiments. In some embodiments, these support structurescan also be included in the hanging accessory storage system.

In some embodiments, the organizational support structures areperforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings,wherein the three organizational support structures closest in proximityto the lower extremity of the rectangular frame have a wider, uniformspacing of apertures for hanging larger earrings than the remaining twoorganizational support structures closest in proximity to the upperextremity of the rectangular frame, which have a narrower spacing ofapertures for hanging smaller earrings.

In some embodiments, the parallel upper and lower extremities areperforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings,wherein the spacing of the apertures is that of the spacing of theapertures for hanging earrings in the two organizational supportstructures in closest proximity to said upper extremity.

In certain embodiments the parallel side supports are perforated by aplurality of spaced apertures such that there are two apertures betweeneach consecutive pair of intersections defined by the connection ofeither the upper extremity, lower extremity, or any of theorganizational support structures to the side supports, wherein theapertures are spaced equidistant from the nearest of said intersections.

The hanging mechanism can include a hook having a central axisperpendicular to the minor axis of the rectangular frame andintersecting the center of an arc defining the hook, constructed fromthe same material as the rectangular frame, and located such that thehanging mechanism is mounted on the upper extremity and the central axisof the hook is in line with the major axis of the rectangular frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the hanging accessory storage systemshow in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the hanging accessory storage system inFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a hanging accessory storage system.

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage systemhaving a counterweight system and a storage post.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage systemhaving two storage posts.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a hanging accessory storage systemhaving a counterweight system and two storage posts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 illustrate various viewpoints of hanging accessorystorage system 1.

FIG. 1 is a front view of hanging accessory storage system 1. Hangingaccessory storage system 1 can be configured to hold and/or display,among other things, earrings, watches, necklaces, headbands, cufflinks,tie clips, small tools and/or electronic accessories such as headphones.

Hanging accessory storage system 1 has frame 10. In some embodiments,frame 10 is constructed from a rigid material. Frame 10 can be variousshapes including, but not limited to a rectangle, square, triangle, orcircle. Frame 10 can be made of a variety of materials, including butnot limited to plastics, organic materials (such as wood), or metals.

In the embodiment shown, frame 10 includes upper extremity 14, lowerextremity 12, and parallel side supports 16 which are anchored at theircorresponding vertices. In some embodiments, the edges of frame 10 arechamfered to prevent, or at least reduce, sharp edges from causingdamage to other property which hanging accessory storage system 1 cancome into contact with. In some embodiments, the edges of the hangingaccessory storage system can include padding. In other or the sameembodiments, the hanging accessory storage system can be coated with alow friction coating, such as Teflon, to discourage the system fromsnagging on other items in a closet.

In some embodiments, the hanging accessory storage system includes arear flap 6 (FIG. 4), designed to prevent earring posts and other itemsprotruding through the holes of the hanging accessory storage systemfrom catching on surrounding objects. In other or the same embodiments,this rear flap is coated with a friction resistant coating.

FIG. 1 also includes five organizational support structures 20. In FIG.1 organizational support structures 20 are parallel to each other andevenly spaced along parallel side supports 16. In other embodiments,hanging accessory storage system 1 can include fewer or more than fiveorganizational support structures 20. In some embodiments, at least twoorganizational support structures 20 are not parallel to each other. Insome embodiments, organizational support structures 20 are not equallydistributed along parallel side supports 16.

Organizational support structures 20 can be disposed within frame 10and/or can be anchored to parallel side supports 16.

In some embodiments, organizational support structures 20, parallel sidesupports 16, upper extremity 14, and/or lower extremity 12 areperforated by a plurality of apertures 22 for hanging earrings, fishinglures, or other objects which can be hung via apertures 22. In someembodiments, apertures 22 are evenly spaced along organizational supportstructures 20, parallel side supports 16, upper extremity 14, and/orlower extremity 12. While apertures 22 are indicated in FIG. 1 ascircular, other shapes would be sufficient to accomplish the task ofhanging small objects, and thus other shapes or configurations arepossible.

In some embodiments, the sizes of the aforementioned apertures may vary.In some embodiments, the interior of these apertures may be lined with acoating or substance, such as rubber, to prevent, or at leastdiscourage, earrings and other small items from coming loose when thehanging accessory storage system is moved.

In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 is configuredfor hanging earrings. In some of these embodiments some organizationalsupport structures 20 can be spaced further apart from each other and/orupper extremity 14, and/or lower extremity 12, to allow for the hanginghoop earrings.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 4, wherein fishinglures, earrings, or other objects having multi part fastening systemsare hung from the hanging accessory storage system, a tray may bepresent on the rear of lower extremity 12. In such embodiments, whichmay also include the flap 6, the tray 4 is configured to catch itemswhich may fall when removing items from the hanging accessory storagesystem. In some embodiments, this tray 4 is at least partiallyconstructed from a magnetized material, such that objects like earringposts can be collected if accidentally dropped when removed from thestorage system.

In some embodiments, apertures in the system are color or number coated.In some embodiments, the entire hanging accessory storage system isconstructed from a whiteboard material, so that it can be labeled by auser with markers.

Where hanging accessory storage system 1 is used for fishing lures,broader spacing of organizational support structures 20 can be used forlarger lures.

In some embodiments, as indicated in FIG. 1 apertures 22 can occur inpairs, with each pair disposed such that the midpoint between apertures22 is equidistant from the midpoints 24 where organizational supportstructures 20 meet parallel side supports 16. Midpoints 24 are definedas where side supports 16 connect with upper extremity 14, lowerextremity 12, or organizational support structures 20. In otherembodiments, the spacing of apertures is less uniform. In someembodiments, apertures are not provided, though markings and thinnerpoints in the structure of the organizational support structures areavailable so that holes can be punched by a user.

In some embodiments, organizational support structures 20 are notanchored to side supports 16, and instead are easily removeable throughclasps, magnetic fittings, notches, or other removeable fasteningmechanisms.

Hanging accessory storage system 1 can also include hanging mechanism 26which in FIG. 1 is shown in the form of a hook affixed to upperextremity 14. In other embodiments, hanging mechanism 26 can include,but is not limited to, multiple hooks, hook and loop fasteners, magnets,and/or suction cups. While the embodiment detailed in FIG. 1, showshanging mechanism 26 affixed to upper extremity 14, hanging mechanism 26could also be affixed to the rear of frame 10. Hanging mechanism 26 isnot limited to a fixed position attachment to upper extremity 14 orcomparable components in similar embodiments. Hanging mechanism 26 canbe detachable, have a swiveling connection, or other types of knownmoveable connections.

In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 is designed tohang in a closet. In at least some of these embodiments hangingmechanism 26 is configured to hang on closet rod 30 (see FIG. 3). Insome of these embodiments, the major axis of frame 10 can be alignedwith the center focus of the arc of the hook of hanging mechanism 26such that weight of hanging accessory storage system 1 is evenlydistributed across hanging mechanism 26 when hung on closet rod 30,allowing hanging accessory storage system 1 to hang in a balancedmanner.

FIG. 2 shows hanging accessory storage system 1 from a side view. Insome embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 2, hanging accessorystorage system 1 has a narrow profile that allows it to hang in a closetwith other personal items and/or be easily affixed to a verticalsurface.

In some embodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 includes a lightso a user can more readily identify the various accessories. In someembodiments, hanging accessory storage system 1 includes a mirror. Insome embodiments, the mirror is located between two organizationalsupport structures 20. In some embodiments having a light, the light hasa night mode, wherein the light is red to lower the strain on a user'seyes while trying to accessorize in a dark closet.

In some embodiments, frame 10 is roughly 10″ wide by 11½ tall by ⅛″deep. In some embodiments, parallel side supports 16 are roughly ½″wide. In some embodiments, upper extremity 14 is roughly 1″ tall. Insome embodiments, upper organizational support structures 20 are roughly½″ tall.

In some embodiments, at least one storage post 8 present. Inembodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 5, the storage post isvertical, and can be used to store items such as watches, bracelets, orrings. In some embodiments, multiple storage posts 8 are present(depicted in FIG. 6). These storage posts can be of different diametersin some embodiments.

In some embodiments, particularly those having storage posts, but otherembodiments as well, a counterweight system 9 is present. Counterweightsystem 9 can consist of weight 31 mounted on some form of lateralsupport, such as the support structures previously discussed, or on thelower or upper extremities. In a preferred embodiment, the counterweightsystem 9 is present on the lower extremity 12, as shown in FIG. 5. Thecounterweight can be slid, or removed and replaced between desiredpositions, on its lateral support, such that when items are placed onthe storage system with uneven weight distribution, the counterweightcan be adjusted so that the storage system continues to hang vertically.In some embodiments, discrete recommended positions are marked withnotches where the counterweight 31 can settle. This is particularlyuseful when heavier items such as watches are stored on the storageposts 8.

In some embodiments, such as the one shown in FIG. 7, the counterweightsystem includes its own mounting strut 33 affixed to the hangingaccessory storage system. In at least some embodiments, counterweight 9slides in a groove such as groove 45 of FIG. 7. In other embodiments,notches are provided for the counterweight to rest in. In at least someembodiments, multiple affixing struts are available, such that thecounterweight can be placed in a variety of positions on the hangingaccessory storage system. In some embodiments, the counterweight ismagnetic, and in some embodiments there are multiple counterweights. Insome embodiments, at least one counterweight can be stuck directly tomagnetic strips present on the hanging accessory storage system.

While particular elements, embodiments and applications of the presentinvention have been shown and described, it will be understood, that theinvention is not limited thereto since modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present disclosure, particularly in thelight of the foregoing teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hanging accessory storage system for supportingand organizing personal items comprising; a. a frame comprising (rigidmaterial) (rectangular) i. a first extremity; ii. a second extremity;iii. a third extremity; b. an organizational support structuresperforated by a plurality of spaced apertures; and c. a hangingmechanism.
 2. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1 whereinsaid hanging mechanism is connected to said first extremity.
 3. Thehanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said organizationalsupport structure is parallel to said first extremity.
 4. The hangingaccessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said apertures arecircular.
 5. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, whereinsaid hanging mechanism consists of a hook.
 6. The hanging accessorystorage system of claim 1, wherein said hanging mechanism consists of ahook and loop system.
 7. The hanging accessory storage system of claim1, wherein said hanging mechanism consists of a system of magnets
 8. Thehanging accessory storage system of claim 1, wherein said frame isrectangular.
 9. The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, whereinsaid frame is triangular.
 10. The hanging accessory storage system ofclaim 1, wherein said frame is plastic.
 11. The hanging accessorystorage system of claim 1, wherein said frame is wood.
 12. The hangingaccessory storage system of claim 1 further comprising: d. a light. 13.The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1 wherein said secondextremity is perforated by a second plurality of spaced apertures.
 14. Ahanging accessory storage system for supporting and organizing earringscomprising; a rectangular frame constructed from a material selectedfrom the group consisting of plastics, metals, and organic matterconsisting of parallel lower and upper extremities and parallel sidesupports anchored at their corresponding vertices to form saidrectangular frame, the space between said parallel side supports andparallel upper and lower extremities defining the interior of saidrectangular frame, a plurality of five parallel, evenly distributed,lateral organizational support structures having ends, said ends beinganchored to said rectangular frame on their respective side supports,where said organizational support structures are disposed within theinterior of said rectangular frame and parallel to the minor axis of therectangular frame, said organizational support structures beingperforated by a plurality of spaced apertures for hanging earrings,wherein the three organizational support structures closest in proximityto the lower extremity of the rectangular frame have a wider, uniformspacing of apertures for hanging larger earrings than the remaining twoorganizational support structures closest in proximity to the upperextremity of the rectangular frame, which have a narrower spacing ofapertures for hanging smaller earrings, said parallel upper and lowerextremities being perforated by a plurality of spaced apertures forhanging earrings, wherein the spacing of said apertures is that of thespacing of the apertures for hanging earrings in the two organizationalsupport structures in closest proximity to said upper extremity, saidparallel side supports being perforated by a plurality of spacedapertures such that there are two apertures between each consecutivepair of intersections defined by the connection of either the upperextremity, lower extremity, or any of the organizational supportstructures to said side supports, wherein said apertures are spacedequidistant from the nearest of said intersections, a hanging mechanismconsisting of a hook having a central axis perpendicular to the minoraxis of said rectangular frame and intersecting the center of an arcdefining said hook, constructed from the same material as saidrectangular frame, and located such that said hanging mechanism ismounted on the upper extremity and the central axis of said hook is inline with the major axis of said rectangular frame.
 15. The hangingaccessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising: (d) a rearflap; and (e) a lower tray.
 16. The hanging accessory storage system ofclaim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, wherein saidcounterweight system comprises a sliding counterweight mounted directlyto a lower extremity, and able to slide in a groove.
 17. The hangingaccessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising a counterweightsystem, wherein said counterweight system consists of at least onemagnetic weight and a plurality of magnetic strips mounted to saidhanging accessory storage system.
 18. The hanging accessory storagesystem of claim 1, further comprising a counterweight system, whereinsaid counterweight system comprises a counterweight able to rest in a atleast one provided notch in said hanging accessory storage system. 19.The hanging accessory storage system of claim 1, further comprising acounterweight system, wherein said counterweight system comprises asliding counterweight mounted to a mounting strut affixed to saidhanging accessory storage system.
 20. The hanging accessory storagesystem of claim 1, further comprising a storage post.